Our History

Michael W. Piasecki opened his first funeral home in North Chicago, IL in October of 1927, after years as a pharmacist and graduation from Worsham Embalming School (now Worsham College of Mortuary Science).

He continued to nurture his growing business in North Chicago, when in May of 1931, he expanded his business and opened a second location at 4124 7th Avenue in Kenosha. Once in Kenosha, Michael W. partnered with his brother, Charles, to form C. & M. Piasecki Funeral Home.

Though Charles died unexpectedly in March of 1939, the compassionate, dignified service the Piasecki brothers provided earned the firm a reputation for understanding that the needs of a bereaved family extend well beyond the funeral service.

In 1940, Michael W. Piasecki moved the funeral home to 2002 52nd Street. This facility was noted for "a chapel, providing a quiet, religious atmosphere befitting the purpose for which it was designed." In 1953, after returning from military service in Korea, Michael J. Piasecki joined the family business. "A record of steady growth and modernization with the passing years [has] marked the progress of the Piasecki firm" (Kenosha News, 1961), and within two years of moving to the 52nd Street location, an addition was built and completed. Michael W. continued to serve Kenosha as director and owner-operator of Piasecki Funeral Home until his death in October of 1956.

Upon his father's death, Michael J. Piasecki assumed ownership of the family business, and in order to dedicate his time to Kenosha families, he sold the North Chicago funeral home. In addition to providing compassionate, dignified service, Michael J. and his bride, Nancy (whom he wed in July of 1955), were faithful community stewards. Michael continued to serve Kenosha through participation and leadership within professional, civic, faith-based and ethnic organizations until his death in 1984.

When sole ownership passed to Nancy, she continued the family tradition of excellent service and lead Piasecki Funeral Home to new heights. As Kenosha grew as a community, so did the family business.

In order to better serve the community, Nancy partnered with Bill Althaus in September of 1984. In October of 1995, construction began on the new Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home at 3720 39th Avenue. The building was dedicated on June 23, 1996 "to the families who have honored us with their trust."

Today, funeral services are conducted at the 39th Avenue location, while the 52nd Street location serves as a family services center. Nancy and Bill continue their partnership, committed to serving Kenosha families with compassion, dignity and attentiveness and are proud to be family owned and operated since 1927.